Spurs are hoping to secure three more signings before the transfer window closes on September 2.

There will also be several departures, with Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid the most high-profile for a world-record fee. Spurs – still smarting at missing out on Willian to Chelsea – would prefer to secure their two attacking players before releasing Bale but Real are pushing hard for an announcement to be made within the next couple of days.

A deal is in place for Spurs to sign Roma forward Erik Lamela, believed to be worth around £26 million, equalling the club’s transfer record, and they are again bidding for Steaua Bucharest central defender Vlad Chiriches who they value at £7.5 million.

Hulk has long been admired by head coach Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with the 27-year-old forward at Porto, although any deal hinges on his current club, Zenit St Petersburg, lowering their demands. The Russians have been demanding closer to £40 million.

In Tottenham’s favour is the fact that Hulk wants to reunite with Villas-Boas even though the club is not in the Champions League.

Spurs are considering other options if a deal cannot be agreed for Hulk including Lamela’s team-mate Miralem Pjanic, an attacking midfielder. While it is unlikely that Roma would sell the Bosnian international having already allowed Pablo Osvaldo to join Southampton, that position could change if they follow up their interest in Chelsea’s Demba Ba.

Another option for Spurs could be CSKA Moscow’s Russian international Alan Dzagoev who was offered to them last year. Spurs will also monitor how much playing time Juan Mata gets at Chelsea now that Jose Mourinho is signing Willian. Spurs have already recouped £23 million this summer and if they secure their targets, one of Jermain Defoe or Emmanuel Adebayor could be sold – the likelihood is the former – and there are question marks over Aaron Lennon's future as well.